Mock Draft 2

We are 1 day away from perhaps the most exciting day of the year. This year should be even more interesting with so many teams searching for ways to move up and so many teams looking for ways to move out. Here's another attempt at how it will shape out:

1. LAC- Blake Griffin, PF

2. MEM- Hasheem Thabeet, C: If they keep the pick, the big man will be it. But, the TWolves (with their as-of-now 4 first rounders) and Celtics are trying to move up to get here. It is 50-50 that the Grizzlies keep this pick...Thabeet isn't in love with them.

3. OKC- James Harden, SG: For a while, it seemed Rubio would end up here, but GM Sam Presti doesn't want to anger Russell Westbrook. Apparently, this is the pick the Knicks are trying to get in order to draft Curry. It would probably take Wilson Chandler and a future first to get it done. James Harden would fit in nicely with how this team is shaping up.

4. SAC- Ricky Rubio, PG: Minnesota really wants Rubio and want to nab him at 2 if they can trade up. If they don't, he will fall to 4. The Kings aren't sold on him, but I doubt they pass up this talent for someone such as Tyreke Evans or Johnny Flynn and they don't need Curry.

5. MIN- Stephen Curry, SG: There is a strong chance this is someone else picking here. Possibly Memphis? Or NY? Either Minnesota will take Curry for themselves or they will be picking him for someone else; I doubt he drops past 5.

6. MIN- Tyreke Evans, SG: He is the best talent available at this spot. I don't think they will pass on him twice.

7. GS- Jordan Hill, PF: I don't see the Warriors taking another small guard or wing. They will go with the best big man available. Jordan Hill will take over for Brandon Wright, who is rumored to be on the block.

8. NY- Jrue Holiday, PG: Brandon Jennings is saying the Knicks won't pick him. But, he is also saying they will find a way to get Curry: he's their guy. I have a feeling the Knicks will pull the trigger to get Curry, who fits their system and adds another element of excitement for LeBron. So I don't think this will be them picking Holiday.

9. TOR- Johnny Flynn, PG: Everyone keeps putting DeRozan here, but sources say the Raptors really like Flynn and want a change of pace guy beside Jose Calderon. Flynn is considered the better prospect, so I don't think it will be a big surprise if he goes here.

10. MIL- Brandon Jennings, PG: He has been getting good reviews, the Bucks need a PG (Jeff Teague is high on their list, but they don't need to take him here). They will go with the best talent at a position of need.

11. NJ- Terrence Williams, SG: The Nets are going to steal Charlotte's guy. 

12. CHA- Gerald Henderson, SG: Charlotte will go with the lesser of the two players who falls to them out of Williams and Henderson. DeRozan is a possibility, but given the Bobcats history of taking experience pros, it looks like they will pass.

13. IND- DeJaun Blair, PF: He fits a need and the concerns about his ACLs are starting to go away. Really, there is no one else for Indiana to take here

14. PHO- DeMar Derozan, SG: If he falls here, no way the Suns pass on a top-5 talent in this draft. He is insurance in case they attempt to trade Jrich and his huge contract this summer or next year. For a team that has gotten old quickly, this would be a great pick.

15.  DET- Austin Daye, SF: The Pistons really like this kid and he is worth taking a risk on here.

16. CHI- James Johnson, PF: I keep hearing the Bulls are trying to move up and get that number 11 from New Jersey. If they stay put, expect them to go big and Johnson will be a solid pick for them. He has a lot of potential and gives them a strong presence to counter Thomas (who is on the block) and Noah. They may also reach for Mullens.

17. PHI- Ty Lawson, PG: This is another easy one. Philly will take either Lawson or Maynor here. Lawson projects as the better pro though and also loves the up-tempo style the Sixers are running.

18. MIN- B.J. Mullens, C: They aren't going to keep this pick because there are too many suitors willing to take a risk on the big man. Philly, Chicago and Detroit are all trying to get their hands on him. Perhaps a trade with Chicago for their pick (James Johnson) and a few other assets?

19. ATL- Earl Clark, PF: If Clark slides past Detroit at 15 then he may not get picked until here. Atlanta was hoping for a PG, but they got one in Jamal Crawford. So I see them going a different route; they have enough guards. Clark is very similar to some of their other forwards, but he is a big talent at this spot in the draft. Take the best player at this point, Atlanta.

20. UTA- Sam Young, SF: They are enamored with him, according to sources.

21. NO- Tyler Hansbrough, PF: They need help inside and Hansbrough can provide some toughness behind David West.

22. POR- Omri Casspi, SF: Portland moved up to steal this guy from the Kings. They don't need any other players, so they can stash him in Europe for another year or two. He will also be a trade asset.

23. SAC- Demarre Carroll, SF: Sacramento wants to get tougher and Carroll is one of the tougher, defensive-orientated players in the draft.

24. DAL- Jeff Teague, PG: Another Devin Harris-clone for Mark Cuban and co. They would be more than happy with this one.

25. OKC- Eric Maynor, PG: This would be a huge slide for Maynor. The Thunder are in a position to take the best talent available because they need depth at every spot. Maynor would be a nice change of pace behind Westbrook. 

26. CHI- Nick Calathes, PG: The Bulls are trying to move up or find a way to get Mullens. Chances are they don't keep this pick. If they do, they will probably take another guard to add to their backcourt depth. And Calathes gives them the added incentive of letting him play overseas for a season or two. Chances of them keeping this one though are very slim.  

27. MEM- Toney Douglas, PG: 

28. MIN- Jonas Jerebko, SF: Minnesota will either give up this pick to move up or will take a guy who doesn't plan on playing this year. They are already very young and can't afford to carry so many rookies.

29. LAL- Victor Claver, SF: The Lakers definitely won't keep this pick, they will sell it or draft a Euro who they don't need to pay. All their efforts are on bringing back Ariza and Odom. 

30. CLE- DeJaun Summers, SF: The Cavs are trying to move up (perhaps to get Earl Clark). I doubt they will keep this pick. Summers is a decent player, but he isn't going to be much help to a team that will do anything to make LeBron happy.